I much prefer the previous title for this episode ("A Star in Her Eye,") but that doesn't really matter. The reason I took so long to write this review was because I liked the episode so much and wanted to make sure my review was written well.
The Pilot is the first companion introduction since 2013, and I think that's a big part of what makes it so special. Pearl Mackie is wonderful, bringing a fresh, warm, honest, and genuinely funny take on our newest companion, Bill. Mackie is immediately likable and makes us laugh in her first scene with Capaldi, who is as magnetic as ever and gives another great performance.
"The Pilot" also has a returning character in it, Nardole. Matt Lucas wasn't given much to do in his first episode, but since The Return of Doctor Mysterio he has been great. After having seen all of series 10, I can safely say that he was one of the highlights of the entire series.
I also think that this episode is well directed by Lawrence Gough. It's paced well, starting off calmly while introducing us to Bill and becoming more exciting and action packed as the episode continues. It's also visually engaging and very well filmed. The colors pop off the screen and the special effects are good. I really liked the opening shot of the episode, a static shot in the Doctor's office, and think that the TARDIS reveal (where the camera pulls back in darkness for nearly ten seconds, with only the TARDIS door lit) is one of the most creative and impressive shots in the show's history. I loved how the scenes on the Movellan spaceship looked as well.
Steven Moffat wrote a great script for this episode. Bill fells like a real human being, the Doctor is written wonderfully, and Nardole is a nice presence, even if he doesn't do much. I loved how we got introduced to a new character, traveled through different time periods and planets, and even saw the Daleks again.
All in all, the Pilot is a wonderful series opener. The acting is great (Pearl Mackie's performance is delightful), the story is well balanced, and it's engagingly directed. The ending is also emotional and inspiring, when Bill decides to join the Doctor for adventures through space and time. 8 out of 10.
The Pilot is the first companion introduction since 2013, and I think that's a big part of what makes it so special. Pearl Mackie is wonderful, bringing a fresh, warm, honest, and genuinely funny take on our newest companion, Bill. Mackie is immediately likable and makes us laugh in her first scene with Capaldi, who is as magnetic as ever and gives another great performance.
"The Pilot" also has a returning character in it, Nardole. Matt Lucas wasn't given much to do in his first episode, but since The Return of Doctor Mysterio he has been great. After having seen all of series 10, I can safely say that he was one of the highlights of the entire series.
I also think that this episode is well directed by Lawrence Gough. It's paced well, starting off calmly while introducing us to Bill and becoming more exciting and action packed as the episode continues. It's also visually engaging and very well filmed. The colors pop off the screen and the special effects are good. I really liked the opening shot of the episode, a static shot in the Doctor's office, and think that the TARDIS reveal (where the camera pulls back in darkness for nearly ten seconds, with only the TARDIS door lit) is one of the most creative and impressive shots in the show's history. I loved how the scenes on the Movellan spaceship looked as well.
Steven Moffat wrote a great script for this episode. Bill fells like a real human being, the Doctor is written wonderfully, and Nardole is a nice presence, even if he doesn't do much. I loved how we got introduced to a new character, traveled through different time periods and planets, and even saw the Daleks again.
All in all, the Pilot is a wonderful series opener. The acting is great (Pearl Mackie's performance is delightful), the story is well balanced, and it's engagingly directed. The ending is also emotional and inspiring, when Bill decides to join the Doctor for adventures through space and time. 8 out of 10.